Just as I was about to go mad with this thought, he looked at me. And I… couldn't look away. The dim light made his green eyes shine even brighter. For a moment... I forgot how to breathe.
Then one of the bandits shouted from outside:
"RUN! THE DUKE'S MEN ARE COMING!!"
All the bandits scattered like rats. And I took the opportunity to calm my heartbeat.
We waited a little longer, then when we heard the sound of horses, we finally left our hiding spot. When we stepped outside… the view was incredible. The Duke's soldiers had already captured the bandits and the Bandit King.
When we met Master Henry and his assistant, we saw that they had escaped with only minor injuries. He said he got the sword after beating a bandit.
The patrol soldiers had helped Master Henry when they saw him fighting the bandits and had called for reinforcements. If not for the patrol soldiers, we would all be dead by now.
When we returned to the mansion, everyone was waiting for us at the door. Lord Henry's family was also there, and they said that the Bandit King and his men would receive the punishment they deserved.
The Young Master released me as soon as I stepped into the mansion. I didn't know what to think.
Was it a sense of relief, or a strange feeling of emptiness? Before I could even question it, my feet took me straight to my room.
And then... my uncle.
When he entered the room, his eyes were filled with tears. And when he saw me like that... he began to cry even more.
And then... so did I.
At first, I tried to hold myself back. But then, those warm tears flowed down my cheek without asking for permission. I was so exhausted that I didn't even have the strength to go outside. My uncle brought my food to my room.
Since the punch I took yesterday, my body had been aching. I couldn't sleep through the pain in my stomach throughout the night. But at least... for the first time, I had the chance to see my uncle asleep. He was sleeping so quietly. His face was illuminated by the moonlight coming from outside.
When I looked at the clock, it was five in the morning. When I looked at myself, I was still wearing the same clothes from yesterday. Not wanting to stay in the room any longer, I went out without washing my face.
When I went outside and saw those who were awake and ready, I was a little surprised. I had no idea what I should do since I had started the day so early. I still didn't know what to do. At least if I woke up early, I could prepare water for the Young Master. But I didn't know how to prepare the water.
It was certain that I wouldn't fill it from the fountain in the garden. Neither Mary nor Eric were around to give advice. Well, of course, it was the time when people were sleeping.
There was only one thing left to do. Everyone would wake up around six, so it would be nice to spend some time in the garden until then.
When I stepped into the garden, my steps unknowingly led me toward the lake. If I remember correctly, the balcony of the piano room faced this way. And... the light in the room was on. So, it seemed like there were others in the mansion who couldn't sleep.
I wondered how the Young Master was doing. He had a horrible day yesterday. And today... it was his mother's memorial service.
I took a deep breath and sat on one of the nearby benches. When the light from the piano room went out, the mansion was completely engulfed in darkness. The large, decorated stones looked even more magnificent and a little intimidating in the dark.
When I looked up at the sky, I was mesmerized by the moon's majestic posture. And then...
"Couldn't sleep?"
I turned toward the voice. And... I found the Duke in front of me. Instinctively, I stood up and greeted him. I stood up so quickly that my chest hurt even more, but I tried not to show it. The Duke just raised his hand slightly.
"Relax. It's Theodore, right?"
"Yes, sir."
The Duke sat on the other bench that faced the lake.
"Don't stand like that, Theodore. Sit down."
"Thank you, sir."
After showing my respect, I carefully sat back down on the bench I had been sitting on.
"You saved Lemi's life. He told me so."
Ah... Well, to be honest, it would be more accurate to say that I put myself forward to distract the bandits rather than saving his life, but... I knew I shouldn't say that out loud.
The Duke seemed lost in thought and continued:
"You protected someone that a person important to me cares about. Thank you, Theodore."
For a moment, I didn't know what to say. Then, automatically, I replied, "It was something I had to do as someone like me."
But what I was really thinking... "It wasn't my choice," but I couldn't say that out loud.
The Duke sighed deeply. And then... he said that sentence.
"Theodore, don't leave Lemi's side. Don't leave him alone today. Even if he tries to send you away, don't leave."
Today?! I wondered if he would faint during the memorial service. Was he feeling unwell?
But of course, I couldn't ask those questions to the Duke.
"Of course, sir."
And then... for the first time since he sat down, the Duke looked at me. And at that moment, I was shocked. His green eyes were trembling. It was interesting and painful to see such a tough man trying so hard to hide his emotions. He was so worried about his strange son.
The Duke tilted his head slightly and added one more sentence:
"Theodore, your uncle always spoke of you as a nephew who couldn't hold onto anything. So, when he recommended you, I didn't feel sure at first. But now... I'm glad I gave you a chance."
...
Was that... a compliment or an insult? Can someone explain it to me?!
"Thank you, sir."
When the Duke stood up, I immediately got up as well.
"Everyone will wake up soon. It was a nice chat, Theodore. Take care of yourself."
"See you, sir."
After bowing respectfully, I watched the Duke leave. I stayed on the bench for a while before heading back inside. There was still an hour before the Young Master woke up. By the time I reached the room, I had gotten used to the crowd in the corridor. When I arrived in the room, my uncle was getting dressed.
"Where were you, Theo?"
"I was by the lake."
When he looked at me while putting on his bowtie, his face started to return to its state from yesterday.
"How are you feeling now?"
"I feel better than yesterday."
He approached me and placed his hands on my shoulders.
"Theodore, if you want to rest today, I'll take care of the Young Master."
Actually, I felt a little tired. My chest hurt from the punch I took yesterday, but today was the memorial service, and it was going to be a busy day for my uncle. Plus, he would be dealing with the Young Master. I couldn't do this to him.
"I really feel fine. I can take care of the Young Master today."
After scanning me from head to toe with worry, my uncle sighed deeply.
"If you feel any pain during the day, let me know, okay?"
"Okay, uncle."
After giving him a reassuring smile, my uncle ruffled my hair. After waving him off, I stayed in the room for a while longer. My chest started to hurt even more. After gathering myself, I left the room.